July 4th, 2010 Brief Tornado Confirmed Near Mayetta

Above: The circulation associated with the brief tornado near Mayetta is indicated by the red (outbound) and green (inbound) velocity signature. (Click for larger image)

A National Weather Service damage assessment team has confirmed damage south of Mayetta, Kansas on July 4th was caused by an EF-0 tornado.

The tornado formed 3 miles south of Mayetta, Kansas at 4:46 PM. This initial formation was approximately 1 mile west of the intersection of U.S. Highway 75 and 134 Road where a house sustained minor damage. As the tornado crossed Highway 75 a camper was rolled in the northbound lane of U.S. 75.

The tornado continued on to where it impacted a farmstead 1/4 mile east of U.S. 75 and 142 Road. At this location, there were 6 to 8 inch tree branches down along with several trees. Shingle damage was also noted to the home and a camper was tipped over. Another farmstead was struck just to the east. Metal roofing and a metal barn were destroyed along with significant tree damage. The resident reported hearing the tornado and seeing debris blowing around as it hit.

The tornado then crossed 142 Road and dissipated in an alfalfa field where a decent debris field was deposited when the tornado weakened. The tornado ended at 4:49 PM CDT.

The final rating for this tornado is EF-0, with winds estimated at 80 mph.

The path length was approximately 2 miles.

The maximum width was approximately 75 yards wide.

Above: A trailer was overturned on Highway 75 at the intersection of 142 Road south of Mayetta, KS (click for larger image).

Above: Another trailer was overturned on a farmstead near Highway 75 and 142 Road near Mayetta, KS (click for larger image).

Above: Tree damage on a farmstead near Mayetta (click for larger image).

Above: Shingles were torn off a roof near Highway 75 and 142 road (click for larger image).

Above: A barn on a farmstead was damaged by a brief tornado (click for larger image).